EXAMSOFT'S SOFTEST REGISTRATION:  2016 – 2017

Exam Taker Information

EXAMSOFT'S SOFTEST REGISTRATION:  2016 – 2017

SofTest registration will be valid for the entire 2016-2017 academic year.  Browsers:  Internet Explorer is no longer compatible with SofTest.  You must use Google Chrome or Firefox.

The final exam period for Autumn 2016 will begin on Wednesday, December 7 and end on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.  As you know, many of your professors give you the option of typing your in-class exams on your own laptop.  The College of Law uses SofTest, a program created by ExamSoft that enables exam takers to take exams securely.

In addition, professors also have the option to use the ExamSoft “Performance Assessment” feature to administer take-home exams.  Using “Performance Assessment," your professors can create an electronic drop box in ExamSoft where students can upload their take-home exams.  If your professor has opted to use the Performance Assessment feature, you will be notified in-class by your professor.  Your professor will also provide you with detailed information and instructions regarding your take-home exam using the Performance Assessment feature.  All Performance Assessment exams are listed on the ExamSoft homepage and on the Student Affairs webpage along with all in-class exams.

After you register, be sure to take the Mock Exam to make sure that your computer functions with SofTest.  Also, be sure to watch the SofTest video after you sign in.

The information on this page is only for students taking their in-class exams using SofTest, not Performance Assessment exams.  Please consult your professor for detailed information regarding your Performance Assessment exam (electronic take-home exam).  You will also receive an email from the Registrar that will include instructions on how to access your Performance Assessment exams on ExamSoft.

Always arrive at least 30 minutes before each exam.

Exam rooms will be posted on the Exam Schedule located on the Student Affair web page, and also posted on the 1st, 2nd, 8^th and 9th floors beginning Monday, December 5th. Exams are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.


SOFTEST FAQ'S

WHAT IS SOFTEST BY EXAMSOFT?

SofTest is a program developed and licensed by ExamSoft that enables exam takers to take exams securely.  Exams are downloaded by you to your own laptop. During an exam, SofTest blocks access to files, programs and the internet. It is used by over 150 law schools and 35 states for the Bar examination. 

HOW RELIABLE IS SOFTEST?

SofTest has a considerable number of safety features to ensure that answers typed into SofTest on your C drive cannot be lost. They include:

-        An AutoSave feature that automatically saves your exam every sixty seconds.

-        Multiple encrypted back copies of the exam answer file are saved.

-        The ability to undo up to 50 of the previous actions per essay window.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

SofTest cannot run in virtual operating systems such as VMware-Fusion or Parallels. It is not possible to take secure exams through a virtual operating system such as Microsoft’s Virtual Machine, Parallels, VMware, VMware-Fusion, or any other virtual operating system.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT: We highly recommend that you have your laptop inspected well before exams begin. See the Law Technology Team (LTT), 3rd floor Lewis, Rooms 314 and 315, or call 312-362-5216, 312-362-5858 for assistance.

ExamSoft’s SofTest is not a DePaul University College of Law product. If you have questions, contact the ExamSoft Support Hotline at (866) 429-8889. A list of FAQ’s appears on www.examsoft.com.

It is important to note that typists and writers take their exams in the same rooms. Earplugs are provided.

ExamSoft and DePaul University College of Law assume no responsibility for interruptions or computer failures whether isolated or widespread. You assume all risks of using a computer to take your exam.

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR SOFTEST?

NOTE:   You must receive a confirming email from ExamSoft after you download and register for SofTest. If you do not receive an email, your registration failed.  If you click on the SofTest icon on your screen, you will see a note stating “Registration is Complete.”

It is a good idea to disable your anti-virus and anti-spyware software before taking an exam using SofTest software. These services sometimes recognize SofTest as a malicious program and attempt to prevent it from launching. The majority of start-up issues are caused by anti-virus software. For clear instructions on temporarily disabling these services, please contact the ExamSoft Support Hotline at (866) 429-8889.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER YOU LOG-IN TO WWW.EXAMSOFT.COM/DEPAULAW.

Step 1:  Download SofTest > go through screens > install.

Step 2:  Register SofTest and use your Campus Connect username and password to complete the process.

Step 3:  Download the Mock Exam, and complete it for practice.

One week before the exam period begins, you will receive an email from ExamSoft with a notice to download your exams. Complete the download right away. Please download each exam at least one week before exam day in case you encounter technical difficulty, or you might have to handwrite your exam.

After Registration Is Completed

You should receive a message window and later an email message confirming registration. To verify, double-click the SofTest icon on your screen and log in. You will see a message stating “Registration Is Complete.” Check your email to see that ExamSoft sent you a confirming message.  Make sure you complete the ENTIRE download/install and registration process.  In the past, some students thought they had completed the entire process, but they did not. Since they were not fully registered, they had to handwrite their exams.

SofTest must be loaded on the machine that you intend to use on exam day.  Do not use an employer’s laptop.  Do not share a laptop because SofTest is unique to each individual student.

CAN I PRACTICE USING SOFTEST BEFORE EXAMS?

Yes. In fact, you should. Once you install and register for SofTest, double-click on the SofTest icon. A notification will appear on the computer screen informing you that there is an exam file available to download. Go to “Download Exam Files.” Click on the mock exam, and upload it to practice. You may take the Mock exam several times.  The mock exam will enable you to take the exam under the same time limit and special accommodations as you would on the day of your exam.

A list of FAQ’s can be found at www.examsoft.com.

DEPAUL FAQ’S

Do I have to be connected to the Internet during an exam?

No. You need to be on the internet when you register, when you download your exam prior to exam day and when you upload your exam answers. During the exam itself, you will not be on the internet. Your work will be saved to your C drive.

Can I look at my class notes on my laptop during the exam?

No. SofTest locks your computer so you can only type your answers. If your professor allows you to have class notes or other materials, you must print them before the exam and bring the printed materials with you.

How do I download my exams?

One week before each exam, you will receive an email from ExamSoft. Log into SofTest Exam Takers > Download Exam Files and click on each exam as it becomes available. Your exam will be loaded on your laptop.  Please download your exams before at least one week before your exam begins.  Do not wait until exam day, because you will not have time to download once you are in the exam room.

*** Anyone who does not download prior to the first day of exams will handwrite the exam. ***

Where do I go on the day of my exam?

Exam rooms will be posted on the In-Class Exam Schedule located on the Student Affair web page, and also posted on the 1st, 2nd and 9th floors.  Go directly to your assigned exam room. Students who wish to take an exam by computer must report to the examination room one-half hour before the exam begins to set up their computers and to make sure that all systems are operating.  If you are not ready when the exam begins, you will have to use bluebooks to write your exam.

Can I use someone else’s computer?

No. You must use your own computer. Each SofTest registration is unique to one computer. Do not use an employer’s computer or someone else’s computer. You must provide your own laptop.

What if after I install SofTest, and I decide to use a different computer? 

You can download and register the software as many times as needed. If your old computer dies, and you get a new one, you can install SofTest on the new laptop up until the day before your first exam.  Remember to download the exam(s) as well.

If I use my laptop, will I be taking the exam in the same room as those using bluebooks?

Yes.  We do not separate hand-writers from laptop users. Ear plugs will be available in the 2nd, 5th and 9th floors.

When will I receive my anonymous exam number?

The Registrar in the Office of Law Student Affairs will send an email out to all students two weeks before the start of the examination period which will include your anonymous exam number.  Your anonymous number is also included on the exam sign-in sheet in the exam room.

When and where will I use my anonymous exam number?

Your anonymous exam number will be used each time you sign out on the Exam Sign-Out Sheet at the end of each exam, on the coversheet of your exam and on the front cover of all bluebooks you use for writing your exam.

Are we supposed to print our complete exam when we are done?

Through the internet connection, exam takers will upload their completed exam to a server. 

What should I do on exam day?

-        Make sure that all necessary Windows or Mac updates and antivirus updates are completed.

-        Ensure that all cables are securely connected to your computer.

-        Be sure that the power light is on.

-        Make sure the Windows or Mac firewall is on. All other firewalls and antivirus software should be turned off or disabled.

-        Exams will not be delayed or suspended due to computer problems. Students who fail to download the exam or students whose computers fail must handwrite the exam. No administrative relief will be granted for incorrect use of the software.

Launching SofTest to Begin an Exam

-        FIRST: Double-click on the SofTest icon on your laptop.

-        SECOND: Click the Launch SofTest button and click Take an Exam.

-        THIRD: Click Find Exam. Double-click the exam file name (Name of Course).

-        FOURTH: There should be text in the Exam Name and Exam File

            Location fields.

-        FIFTH: Click Begin Exam. A Password Window will appear. You will be

  prompted to enter the Exam Password. The proctor will write the password on the

  blackboard. Enter the password. Your computer will reboot into secure mode.

-        SIXTH: Read the notice window carefully and click “OK” to advance to the next

-        window. STOP WHEN THE LAST Notice window with RED STOP SIGNS appears.

-        SEVENTH: When instructed by the proctor, type ‘begin,’ and click

            the BEGIN button.

ALL STUDENTS MUST TYPE AND CLICK BEGIN AT THE SAME TIME WHEN INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.

Functions and Formatting

-     Compose your answer, and number each question as your professor numbered them in the exam.  For example, type your answer to Question 1 on the screen for Question 1.  Each exam is set up for 50 questions, but you should follow the professor’s numbering scheme. We will only print the pages on which you typed your answers, not all 50 pages. 

-     Proceed to the next page/screen by clicking on the blue forward arrow at the top left corner of the screen. Review previous answers by clicking on the blue back arrow.

-   Use the automatic timer and set it to give yourself time warnings.

-      SofTest automatically creates all headers, page numbers and margins which will be included when we print your answers. On the screen, you will see single-spacing. However, when we print the answers, we will set the spacing for one and one half spacing. You do not have to set the spacing.

-     You may cut and paste, but you will not have access to spell check.

-     Once closed, the exam file cannot be reopened.

-     When you leave your seat (i.e., bathroom break), block your screen by selecting ‘View’, then ‘Hide Exam’ in the SofTest Menu.

What if my computer freezes?

If while using SofTest, your keyboard and/or mouse stop responding, do the following:

-        Turn off your computer (press and hold the power button. If that fails, remove the power cord from your computer).

-        Wait for 8 seconds before you restart the computer.

-        When the ‘SofTest Restart’ window appears, select the RESTART button. At most, you will lose 60 seconds of your work. You will be returned to within 59 seconds of where you left off.

-        If your computer fails to restart, take a bluebook from the front of the room and write the rest of your exam. You must stay in the exam room. At the end of the exam, turn in your questions and bluebooks and sign out on the exam room Sign-Out sheet.  

Take your computer to the exam technicians on the 3rd floor. One of them will help you retrieve the typed and saved portion of your exam.

Uploading your Exam

See the instructions on the SofTest video on www.examsoft.com/depaullaw.

You may exit SofTest whenever you are finished, however, no one may leave the room or their seat during the last 15 minutes of an exam. Follow these instructions to exit SofTest and upload your answer file:

-        Select File then Save and Exit or click the Exit Exam button.

-        Click the Close Exam button. Wait 10-15 seconds.

-        On the yellow window, click the Exit button.

-        After you click Exit, your computer will take a few minutes to reboot. YOU MUST WAIT FOR THE REBOOT OR YOUR ANSWERS WILL NOT UPLOAD.

-        Enter your student ID and password.

-        Click on Register.  A 15-second delay has been added to ExamSoft to give it time to synchronize with DePaul Wireless. Answer Yes when prompted to upload the answers.

-        The answer file will upload to the SofTest server.

If your answers upload, you will receive an email from ExamSoft. You also may check to see if your answers upload if you look at your “Download History” in ExamSoft.

You must upload your answers before you leave the building. Note: You will not be able to use your computer again until you successfully upload your answer file to the server.

If your wireless connection does not work in the classroom, and you cannot upload your exam, turn in the paper copy of the questions, scratch paper and Scantron cards (if applicable), sign out on the exam room’s Sign-Out Sheet, and see an exam technician on the 3rd floor.

FINALLY, BE SURE TO SIGN THE SIGN-OUT SHEET USING YOUR ANONYMOUS EXAM NUMBER.  BE SURE TO TURN IN THE EXAM QUESTIONS. Professors will automatically fail anyone who does not turn in the exam questions (see exam coversheet for details). Write your anonymous exam number on the coversheet of the exam, turn in all scratch paper and Scantron cards (if applicable), sign out on the exam room’s Sign-Out Sheet, and leave the questions on the desk in the front of the exam room.